Orange

Orange occurs in fruit and fauna, sunrise and sunset. It can be surprisingly flattering. (Even the fairest face is shown off to best advantage with a little yellow and terra-cotta toning.) In a way, orange is red's sunny offspring -- strong and intense but full of light.

Pumped up to full strength, orange will overpower everything in a room. But mellowed and flavored by its surroundings, it's as vital as red and as enduring as chartreuse. Add a little yellow or white (or even pink) to soften the jolt that orange fabric or paint can deliver.

RESOURCES: Interiors by Fiona Newell Weeks, Dwelling & Design, 410/822-2211, www.dwellinganddesign.com.

NextPink